John E. Kennedy was presented his 9th degree Black Belt in the All Okinawa Karate Kobudo Seidokan Association and The Toide Seidokan Association in July. These associations were founded by Grand Master Shian Toma, a 10th degree Black Belt from Okinawa. Sensei John Kennedy was introduced to Seidokan after joining the Air Force in 1965. When in the Air Force he was placed in the Cadet program.

After graduating Cadet Squadron Commander with 900 cadets in his command, he received sealed orders to go to Okinawa. After his arrival in Okinawa he was placed into an elite-fighting group started by President Lyndon Baines Johnson. This group consisted of the top three percent of the Air Force Commandos, Army Green Beret, Marine Recon and Navy Seals. This group was trained in Martial Arts by Master Shian Toma up to 18 hours a day, seven days a week. After intense training in many areas, they were taken out of the military and placed in a government intelligence group.

In 1967, Sensei Kennedy was asked to represent The United States in an "Invitation-Only" - World Championship Competition. He accepted this honor and was named World Fighting Champion, World Kata Champion and World Weapons Champion. After winning this competition, Sensei Kennedy was asked to join the All Okinawa Karate Kobudo Association to continue his training. In this Association he also trained under Master Uehara Seikichi, founder of Motobu-ryu. This is the secret Te(Hand) of the kings of Ryukyu that was handed down through the Motobu Family.

When Sensei Kennedy returned from Okinawa in 1969, he introduced Motobu-ryu/Seidokan to the United States. As director of The United States Seidokan Association, he opened the Toma Karate Dojo in Spencerport. As head master of all Toma Karate Dojos in the United States, he provides an important connection to the knowledge of early masters. This connection has been maintained for over 30 years through Sensei Kennedy's dedication to traditional Martial Arts. Traditional Karate teaches one to adapt, and to expand knowledge and ability through mental discipline while keeping traditional values intact. These values include: honor, integrity, perfection of body, mind and spirit.